12/27/07

Recipe make-over: Grape-Nuts muffins

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My husband and I were talking about our memories of Grape-Nuts a few weeks ago at breakfast. We both remembered them as being rather odd, and we thought it might be nice to try them again and see what we thought of them now that we are grown-ups.

Well, we thought they were pretty yucky—in fact, we didn't even want to finish our bowls, and we're not really particularly picky eaters. So here we are, with a box of Grape-Nuts that we don't want to eat. Can I throw it away? Oh, no.

I tried this recipe for Grape-Nuts Muffins, and we really liked it. However, in accordance with my nutrition goals, I gave it a make-over the next time we tried it. Now it tastes great and is even better for us.

OK! I made these this morning because I have 2 boxes of grape nuts that I do not want to eat! Only......I tripled the batch making 48 muffins. Left out the applesauce and oil, and replaced it with a 48 oz can of pumpkin. and added a few teaspoons of clove and ginger! Talk about some healthy muffins! (nevermind that i sprinkled the top with brown sugar and cinnamon!) Thank you for your recipe! Think next time i will add some shredded carrots as well!

These are baking in the oven at the moment. I'm so excited to try this recipe. I actually LOVE Grape Nuts mixed with skim milk and blueberries for breakfast... and a teaspoon of Truvia. I've been wanting to make Grape Nut muffins for quite some time now. I think these will be delicious!

Made this the Un-healthy way--had no wheat flour--used soft winter wheat ( White Lily )...added raisins, dried cranberries, and pecans. Also added 2 Tbl. butter--yep butter. Unsalted Kerry Irish Butter. I baked in Jumbo muffin cups-filled a tiny bit more than 3/4 full and had great muffin tops. Let cool after baking 15-18 minutes on racks--these are just the best! Wanted to freeze a few but ended up giving to friends that are now calling for recipe. OH--Oven temp was 375 degress--but I believe all ovens are different.Thank you SO much !

I woke up this morning wanting to make muffins but I wanted some different. I saw grape nuts in my cabinets and googled that and found your recipe. I rarely make muffins from scratch because here in Colorado (mile high) they just don't turn out right. These did! But I did of course make a few adjustments:

I used Silk iced Mocha instead of skim milk. YUM!I didn't have any jars of applesauce but I had one snack cup of Cinnamon applesauce so I used that PLUS that same container with canola oil. I just don't like muffins not made with oil. But I do like cutting back. I did not add any additional cinnamon.

I increased flour slightly. Here again, I'm not as strict as you. I use white cup white (unbleached flour) and 2/3 cup whole wheat.I left the baking soda at one tablespoon. If things rise too quickly at high elevation they fall quickly. This estimate was spot on.

I loved the end result. Somewhat like bran muffins but moister (thanks to oil!) Not too dense. Next time I think I'll add some finely diced fresh apple to give it a bit more texture.

Oh I just noticed you did have oil but only a tablespoon. I'm glad I increased mine to about 1/3 cup (given that I increased the flour to work with the amount of baking soda.) Things tend to get dry at high altitude.